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German conductor and champion of contemporary music whose stormy spell in charge of the Czech Philharmonic ended in acrimony

The appointment of the German-born conductor Gerd Albrecht to lead the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in 1993 looked like a golden opportunity to heal old wartime wounds between the neighbouring countries. It did not quite work out that way. Albrecht was a champion of contemporary works and was particularly keen to engage young people in the delights of serious music; but during his tenure with the Czech Philharmonic he found himself unwittingly in the world’s spotlight.

The German-born Albrecht was the first foreigner to serve as principal conductor of the orchestra. By a margin of 17 votes its musicians elected him